Ross Kemp is returning to EastEnders for a lengthy stint.
Ross Kemp is returning to EastEnders
The 61-year-old actor played Grant Mitchell from 1990 until 1999 and has made a number of brief returns since then, including last year for the soap's 40th anniversary, but he's going to be back on Albert Square for several months and has already begun filming.
Grant is set to return to the screen this spring, where he will meet with his estranged son Mark (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) and help support his friend Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) amid his battle with dementia.
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: “Ross will always hold the character of Grant dear to his heart and loved his brief return last year. This time his stint will be for a few months so he can really get his teeth into the storyline.
“It’s going to be hugely exciting for fans of the soap.
“Ross is really excited to get back in the saddle. Details of his storyline are being kept hush-hush but viewers can expect explosive drama.”
Ross is "truly delighted" to be returning.
He said: “I’m truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchell’s shoes and returning to EastEnders.
“As well as exploring Grant’s attempts to reconnect with his son Mark, it’s especially an honour to be part of Nigel’s powerful ongoing dementia storyline, which holds deep personal meaning for me due to a close family connection in real life.”
EastEnders bosses are delighted to have the Walford legend back.
EastEnders’ executive producer Ben Wadey added: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross back once more to the legendary role of Grant.
“The Mitchells remain one of EastEnders’ defining dynasties, and we can’t wait to see them reunited again. As always when Grant is around, drama inevitably follows him.”
The Bridge of Lies presenter previously celebrated the impact EastEnders has had on society.
He said: "When 'EastEnders' started in 1985, it had one of the few female producers that existed, Julia Smith.
"This was at a time when women weren't even allowed to read the news.
"Julia put families on the show that were Turkish, Asian and black British.
"And she had an alcoholic woman when things like that were unheard of on TV.
"Mary Whitehouse was calling for it to be axed, and when there was the gay kiss, questions were asked in parliament.
"We have come a long way since then, and I personally think 'EastEnders' has got a lot to do with that."
As well as the first gay kiss, EastEnders also covered topical issues, including HIV in 1991 when Mark Fowler (Todd Carty) revealed to his mum Pauline (Wendy Richard) and dad Arthur (Bill Treacher) that he had contracted the sexually-transmitted infection, as well as sexual abuse and domestic violence.
And Ross thinks the soap has "educated the public" through the hard-hitting storylines.
He said: "'EastEnders' has educated the public. It has passed on information to the public without people even realising.
"This happened when it came to topics like HIV, domestic violence and sexual abuse. You name it, EastEnders has covered it.
"I'm incredibly proud of what EastEnders has achieved."
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